Matchmaking Can Be Murder
Book Review

This Matchmaking Can Be Murder book review is for cozy mystery readers craving a calm, comforting story rooted in community, tradition, and gentle intrigue. As the first book in Amanda Flower’s Amish Matchmaker Mysteries series, it offers a refreshingly different setting while still delivering the familiar rhythms cozy fans love — a thoughtful amateur sleuth, layered relationships, and a mystery that unfolds with care rather than chaos.

From the opening chapters, the story settles into a steady, immersive pace that makes it easy to sink into Harvest, Ohio and stay there. With its focus on fellowship, quiet observation, and emotional stakes grounded in family and reputation, this book feels like a warm cup of tea for readers looking to slow down without sacrificing a satisfying mystery.

Matchmaking Can Be Murder - Amanda Flower

Series: Amish Matchmaker Mysteries
Vibes: Small-town comfort, gentle mystery, community warmth, traditional cozy, soft humor

Matchmaking Can Be Murder
Book Review

This Matchmaking Can Be Murder book review is for cozy mystery readers who enjoy gentle mysteries, close-knit communities, and stories that feel comforting without ever becoming boring. As the first book in Amanda Flower’s Amish Matchmaker Mysteries series, this novel offers something a little different from the typical cozy setup while still delivering all the familiar elements readers look for: a likable amateur sleuth, a supportive (and occasionally judgmental) small town, and a mystery that unfolds softly but effectively.

From the very beginning, this story pulled me in. I found it smooth, bingeable, and surprisingly hard to pause — even in audiobook form. It’s the kind of cozy that settles you into its world quickly, then keeps you there with steady pacing, warm character interactions, and a mystery that feels thoughtfully constructed rather than rushed or overly convenient.

The Sleuth:
Sharp, Kind, and Observant

Millie Fisher is an excellent example of a natural amateur sleuth. She’s sharp and observant, but also kind, grounded, and quietly stubborn in a way that makes her feel believable rather than overbearing. Her involvement in the mystery is deeply personal — driven by concern for her niece — which makes her actions feel justified and emotionally rooted rather than intrusive.

What stood out most to me was how enjoyable it was to follow Millie’s thought process. She notices details, reflects on people’s behavior, and navigates relationships with care, all while staying true to her values and her place within the Amish community. There’s a calm confidence to her perspective that fits the tone of the book perfectly.

She’s not reckless, flashy, or overly dramatic — and that’s exactly why she works so well in this story. Millie feels like someone who belongs in this world, someone whose instincts and choices make sense given her background, relationships, and sense of responsibility.

The Setting:
Peaceful, Close-Knit, and Comforting

Harvest, Ohio is a setting that immediately enhances the cozy feel of the story. The Amish community is portrayed as peaceful, charming, and close-knit, with daily life revolving around fellowship, shared work, cooking, and long-standing relationships. The setting doesn’t just exist in the background — it actively shapes the story, the mystery, and the way characters interact with one another.

What I appreciated most was how respectful and immersive the depiction felt. Rather than using the Amish setting as a gimmick, the book invites readers to slow down and experience a different way of life. At times, I even found myself wishing certain aspects of that lifestyle were more common — the sense of community, shared meals, and deep-rooted connections.

That said, the story also acknowledges the restrictive elements of the lifestyle, which makes the setting feel balanced and realistic. It’s very much a place I’d love to visit, even if I wouldn’t necessarily want to live there full-time.

Side Characters:
Community, Goats, and Gentle Humor

The side characters add a lot of warmth and personality to the story. The community feels layered and lived-in — supportive when it matters most, but also quietly judgmental at times, which adds realism and tension without tipping into negativity.

A few standouts include Millie’s Englischer friend from her past, who adds contrast and depth to Millie’s life experience, and — unexpectedly — the goats, who steal more than a few scenes. Their presence adds gentle humor and charm, giving the book moments of levity that balance out the heavier emotional threads.

Edith, Millie’s niece, plays a central role, and I felt a lot of empathy for her. Watching her grow stronger and stand up for herself was genuinely satisfying, and her storyline added emotional weight to the mystery without overwhelming it.

The Mystery:
Very Gentle and Comfortably Twisty

The mystery itself is very gentle, making this an excellent choice for readers who want a clean, non-graphic cozy. There’s no gore, no grimness, and no sense of danger that feels excessive or unsettling. Instead, the tension builds slowly and steadily, driven by relationships, secrets, and community dynamics.

I didn’t suspect the killer at all — the ending genuinely surprised me. Even more interesting, though, was how the resolution made me feel. While the mystery was satisfying and well-paced, I also found myself feeling sympathy for the killer and their motive. It’s one of those rare cozy endings where the emotional complexity lingers a bit after the final chapter.

The pacing is just right throughout, never dragging and never feeling rushed, which is especially impressive for a series starter.

Vibes Check:
Traditional Cozy with Gentle Humor

This book delivers strong traditional cozy mystery vibes: comforting, clean, community-focused, and softly humorous. The humor is noticeable but never over-the-top, often emerging through small moments, character interactions, and — yes — the goats.

The overall tone is warm and reassuring, making this a great choice when you want a cozy that truly feels like an escape into another way of life. There’s small-town drama, but it’s handled gently, without the sharp edges some cozies lean into.

Who Will Enjoy This Book Most?

Matchmaking Can Be Murder is a great fit for:

• Readers who love traditional, clean cozies
• Fans of small-town, community-centered mysteries
• Cozy readers curious about Amish settings and perspectives
• New cozy mystery readers looking for a gentle, welcoming series starter
• Anyone wanting a calm, comforting read that still delivers a solid mystery

My Final Thoughts:
Matchmaking Can Be Murder
Book Review

Overall, Matchmaking Can Be Murder was a deeply satisfying read. I loved stepping into a world that felt different from my usual cozy picks while still delivering everything I look for in the genre. The characters are warm and layered, the setting is immersive and comforting, and the mystery is thoughtfully done without ever becoming heavy.

I finished this book feeling satisfied, curious, and eager to continue the series — which is exactly what I want from a first installment. If you’re in the mood for a cozy mystery that offers something a little different while staying true to the heart of the genre, this is an excellent choice.

And yes — I’ll definitely be continuing this series.

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